Get My CTA U-Pass
Full-time and eligible part-time students at City Colleges can receive a Ventra U-Pass, which offers unlimited rides on any CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train.
City Colleges of Chicago is offering a discounted Ventra U-Pass for students enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours for college credit during the Fall 2024 semester. This optional benefit offers unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the semester.
Any student taking six or more credit hours can opt in for a one-time, nonrefundable fee of $70 for the semester. The U-Pass will be deactivated if a student’s class schedule falls below six credit hours.
Opt-In Process
Students who would like to opt in to receive a U-Pass should log in to their student portal at my.ccc.edu and fill out the U-Pass form under "Announcements." Then, they can choose how they would like to pay the $70 fee. Students may pay with cash or credit card, use available financial aid, or request financial assistance. Payment must be secured to complete the opt-in process.
Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to opt in: How to Opt In to the U-Pass Program
Returning Students (Enrolled in six or more credit hours)
If you already have a Ventra U-Pass card and you meet the criteria below, the U-Pass function on your card will automatically activate the day after you pay the fee. If you have not started classes yet, your U-Pass will reactivate on your first day of class (assuming you have already paid the fee).
- Enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours
- Do not have a negative balance on your Ventra transit account
- Have paid the $70 fee or requested financial assistance
New Students (Enrolled in six or more credit hours)
If you are a new student to the Ventra U-Pass program for Fall 2024, you must opt in at my.ccc.edu. After you opt in, please follow the instructions provided by your college at the bottom of this page.
Once you have opted in via my.ccc.edu, your identity must be verified. Afterwards, you will receive a link to electronically submit the Ventra order form. There is a 7-day timeline for CTA processing and mailing of the card. You will be contacted about card distribution once cards are shipped.
Below, you’ll find some general information to help you become familiar with your Ventra U-Pass:
- If you already have a Ventra U-Pass from City Colleges, you do not need to obtain a new pass every semester.
- Your U-Pass Card is valid for at least five years, and your transit account will remain active when the semester is completed. However, you must add funds to your U‐Pass to use it between semesters.
- U‐Pass privileges are not valid on Pace buses or Metra trains. You must pay a full fare to ride Pace and Metra.
Using Your U-Pass Between Semesters
While your U-Pass allows you to take free CTA rides during the semester, you will need to add funds to your Ventra account in order to use it when classes are not in session (or if you are not full time).
How to add funds to your Ventra account:
- Online at www.VentraChicago.com
- At Ventra vending machines located at CTA rail stations
- At participating retail locations (visit VentraChicago.com to find a location)
Rules and Conditions
U‐Pass is limited to exclusive use by the original full‐time student card owner. Your U‐Pass may not be shared. If any conditions are violated, the pass will be confiscated for up to one academic year without reimbursement, and you will need to pay $50 in order to receive a replacement card.
Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Cards
If your pass is lost or stolen, you may request a new card through the Business Office at your home college. You must present your City Colleges ID and pay a $50 non-refundable replacement fee. If you have further questions, email the CTA at cta-upass@transitchicago.com, call 1-888-YOUR-CTA, or visit the CTA U-Pass website.
For more information, contact your college’s Business Office or visit the CTA website.
Instructions For New U-Pass Students
Harold Washington College
Once you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, please email hwc-ventra@ccc.edu for next steps regarding your U-Pass.
Truman College
Once you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, you will receive an email requesting your photo, a picture of your photo ID, and your student ID number. You will receive an email when your U-Pass is ready for pick up at Truman College. Please bring a valid ID.
If you need in-person support, cards will be processed in the Student Activities Center during the following hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Student Activities Center Office Location: Room 1623, Main Building
Contact: trc-ventra@ccc.edu
Kennedy-King College
Once you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, you will receive an email to your City Colleges student email account requesting a photo of your face only and a picture of your unexpired ID (CCC student ID, state ID, driver’s license, or passport). Once the requested items are received, an order will be placed for your U-Pass. You will receive an email when your card is available for pick-up. Please note it will take a maximum of seven (7) business days for your card to be ready for pick-up.
Contact: rgavin@ccc.edu
Malcolm X College
24 hours after you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, please send a headshot of yourself (white background, JPEG format) and a copy of your student ID to mxc-student-activities@ccc.edu. Alternatively, you can visit Student Activities in room 1425 during office hours to take a photo for your U-Pass. (see office hours below). Once your photo has been uploaded into the CTA U-Pass system (in 5 to 7 business days), you can pick up your U-Pass from the MXC Business Office (located inside of the “Heart”).
Business Office Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Contact: mxc-student-activities@ccc.edu or (312) 850-7066/7478
Olive-Harvey College
Once you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, you will receive an email requesting your photo and a picture of your State ID, Driver’s License, or City Key card. You will receive an email when your U-Pass is ready for pick up at the Business Office.
Contact: ohc-ventra@ccc.edu
Daley College
Once you have opted in and paid for your U-Pass, please obtain a printout of your payment receipt from the Daley College Business Office (1403 G 1st Floor). Bring your receipt and student ID to the Student Activities Center (Room L422) during the days/times listed below. Once you have completed your order, you can pick up your Ventra card from the Business Office within 7 to 10 business days.
Student Activities Ventra Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Business Office Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
Contact: dac-studentactivities@ccc.edu
Wright College
Once you have opted in at my.ccc.edu, you have two options:
- Email a copy of your State ID/Driver’s License and your student ID number to Student Activities at wwc-activities@ccc.edu; or
- Visit the Student Activities Office (Science Building Room S-134), which is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Once we have received your email, it will take seven days to process your U-Pass for pick up. Student Activities will email you when your U-Pass is ready to be picked up at Wright College.
Contact: wwc-activities@ccc.edu
For more information, contact your college’s Business Office or visit the CTA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I already have a Ventra U-Pass from City Colleges, do I need to obtain a new pass every semester?
- No. Your U-Pass is assigned to you for five years.
If I had a U-Pass from City Colleges within the last five years, do I have to use that same card if I am re-enrolling in the program?
- Yes. Your U-Pass is assigned to you for five years.
If I use my card between semesters, does the school pay my balance once the semester begins again?
- No. You must add funds to your Ventra account in order to use it when classes are not in session (or if you are not full time).
- You can add funds to your account:
o Online at www.VentraChicago.com
o At Ventra vending machines located at CTA rail stations
o At participating retail locations (visit VentraChicago.com to find a location)
Will my U-Pass work on a Pace buses or Metra trains?
- No. Your U-Pass will only work on CTA buses or trains. You must pay a full fare to ride Pace and Metra.
Can I double tap my U-Pass for a friend so we both can ride at the same time?
- No. Your U‐Pass may not be shared. If any conditions are violated, the pass will be confiscated for up to one academic year without reimbursement, and you will need to pay $50 in order to receive a replacement card.
Will my U-Pass work if I drop classes and fall below the six-credit hour minimum during the semester?
- No. Your U-Pass will deactivate if your class schedule drops below the six-credit hour minimum.
